We’re excited to welcome three interns to the HIFF team this summer: Roma, Levi, and Cyris!
MEET ROMA LERNER
Hello! My name is Roma Lerner, and I am currently a student at Colgate University where I am double majoring in Film and Media Studies as well as Environmental Studies. I grew up on the North Shore of O’ahu and have always been interested in all things to do with sustainability and engaging with my environment. While film is more of a recent interest of mine, I am looking forward to seeing how it intersects with my environmental interests. In my free time I love to go to the beach and on hikes with family and friends, as well as paddle.
What are a few films you haven’t seen yet but would like to watch this summer, and how do they connect to a specific theme that reflects your interests?
Growing up, my family and friends had forced me to watch nearly every ’80s and ’90s film to ever exist. Many of them ended up falling under the category of a “coming of age” film or a “romantic comedy,” and I found myself becoming pretty familiar with many of them. STAND BY ME (1986) and THE BREAKFAST CLUB (1985) had always been personal favorites, so I took it upon myself to look into other coming of age films from this era. DAZED AND CONFUSED (1993), MYSTIC PIZZA (1988), and HEATHERS (1989) are my picks. Each being particularly unique in their own ways, they still find a way to fall under one umbrella. I chose each of these films because of this reason, their ability to exist almost as different genres but to still have that underlying theme of self discovery and navigating the expectations of society.
What made HIFF stand out to you when you were choosing where to intern this summer?
I have always been familiar with HIFF, but had never been able to attend any of their events. I also really resonate with their values and mission to provide a platform for indigenous and native Hawaiian filmmakers. I think that it is really important that these filmmakers are represented as they are usually in the minority and can struggle to have their voices heard. I knew that this summer, I wanted to be a part of HIFF’s mission and be able to see closely how they work with these filmmakers and allow them to share their ideas–not only with Hawai’i, but also with the rest of the world.
Being that film is also a relatively new interest of mine, I wanted to use this internship opportunity to get my feet wet and learn new things about the industry, production, and overall how HIFF’s festival works!
MEET LEVITICUS KAOPUIKI
Aloha! My name is Leviticus Kaopuiki, I am a currently a Sophomore at the University of Hawaiʻi–West Oʻahu, majoirng in Creative Media. I was raised in Mililani and at a young age I found my passion for film and storytelling through a media class I took my first year of middle school. I hope to pursue a career in Journalism where I can tell meaningful stories relating to the culture and history of Hawaiʻi through film and photography. My other hobbies include trying new food and drink spots around the island, and watching movies and TV shows.
What are a few films you haven’t seen yet but would like to watch this summer, and how do they connect to a specific theme that reflects your interests?
This summer, I am planning to watch several environmental films. I am both interested in topics relating to ʻaina and conservation, as well as learning more about different documentary styles. Three that I have picked out are AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH (2006), KISS THE GROUND (2020), and SEASPIRACY (2021). Through these films, I hope to learn more about some of the pressing environmental issues facing our world, as well as study different styles and structures of documentaries in the hopes of making my own in the future.
What made HIFF stand out to you when you were choosing where to intern this summer?
I have been with HIFF for a year now as a member of their Student Advisory Committee. Through this experience, I have been able to meet and work with so many amazing people who are as passionate in film and storytelling as I am. So when the opportunity presented itself to intern over the summer, I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. What drew me to HIFF in the beginning is their clear commitment to empowering and uplifting young and aspiring filmmakers and creatives alike. It’s these values that I want to also embody and hope to inspire and motivate others to keep creating and to turn their visions into reality.
MEET CYRIS LAURY-SCHAEFER
Hi! My name is Cyris Laury-Schaefer and I am a current undergraduate student at Wesleyan University, where I am double majoring in Film and Psychology. I was raised on Maui, and I’ve been interested in film and the performing arts for as long as I can remember. My hope is to pursue this passion through acting, writing/directing, and producing after graduation. Outside of film, I enjoy surfing, kitesurfing, rugby, basketball, and photography.
What are a few films you haven’t seen yet but would like to watch this summer, and how do they connect to a specific theme that reflects your interests?
This summer, I’m hoping to explore a series of sci-fi and psychological films. Three titles I’m super excited to watch are EX MACHINA (2014), AD ASTRA (2019), and HIGH LIFE (2018). These films stand out to me because they look both entertaining and thought-provoking. Two have been on my watch list for a very long time, so I look forward to finally diving in!
What made HIFF stand out to you when you were choosing where to intern this summer?
I’m going to college in Connecticut, so being able to come back home to Hawai’i and intern at HIFF is something I’m truly grateful for. HIFF stood out to me because it not only aligns with my interests in the world of filmmaking, but also because it supports the community I grew up in. HIFF plays an important role in highlighting local creators and visionaries, which is something I deeply value.
Additionally, a couple of films I’ve worked on have screened at HIFF, so I wanted to see how the festival operates behind the scenes. I look forward to learning about how non-profit film festivals are run and function, and I’m excited to build relationships with other filmmakers and supporters of the arts from Hawai’i.
Come meet the intern team in person at Prince Waikiki Summer Flix, presented by HIFF—happening every Wednesday starting June 4, 2025! Check out the full schedule and event details here.
